Balancing analgesic efficacy with safety concerns in the older patient

摘要: The rapidly expanding number of aged Americans and the increasing prevalence persistent pain in older adults create an urgent need to unravel complexities chronic management this population. This requires health professionals understand both normal pathologic changes that occur within aging body mind, as well how those factors affect responses pain-relieving treatments. medical pharmacologic treatment for is often suboptimal, ranging from failing use analgesics patients with considerable exposing potentially life-threatening toxicities, overdoses, or drug interactions. Models safe effective approaches treating exist, but treatments must still be tailored each individual's needs. A growing array targeted therapies are available managing pain, yet two three trials different agents same class needed optimize because variability effects particular medications. Older tend more vulnerable side interactions than their younger counterparts, owing differences distribution, metabolism, elimination. review delineates these vulnerabilities informs clinicians strategies promote medications treat adults. goal paper was specific considerations balancing efficacy safety